I just picked up my frame today,1932 AV8.... From Blackboard Hot Rods in Bakersfield CA. Let me tell you,Gary's workmanship is top notch! I have dealt with other "Rod Shops" in the past and I must say that Gary's attention to detail is the best! How many of you have had your frame fabricator call you back to tell you that they can save you money by doing something slightly different but not far from the original plan?? Gary is honest,one helluva guy!! My frame is just the way I wanted to be built,no corners cut in any way, fine welds and workmanship. The frame is of excellent quality,he took the time to dolly up all the frame crimps,laid out some fine welds,modified my ladder bars,saved me a bunch of money in the process. Gary fixed one of my Car Club mate's original frame too; This particular frame was mangled and in sorry estate but he was able to fix it and turn it back to its former glory,excellent work!! If you are looking for a high quality 1932 frame Gary is your guy! Gary is honest,dilligent,and will do a great job! I highly recommend BLACKBOARD HOT RODS!
Gary built a frame for me several years ago and it was (and still is) an exceptional piece. I was on the garage crawl at this year's Lone Star Roundup and spotted a 32 frame in the corner. I went over, looked at it, and then asked the shop owner "Is that a Gary Maxwell built frame?" The answer was yes. His work is easy to spot. There are at least 75 feet of TIG weld in one of his frames and every puddle is perfect.
If my memory serves me right Gary worked for Squeak Bell at Kiwi Konnection up until Squeak sold it to Duane Jones. Gary does really nice work. Then and now.
Gary took me under his wing when I was 19, taught me how to TIG weld, build chassis' and most importantly taught me the importance of fit and finish and craftsmanship. I love Gary!
Yes, Gary worked for Squeak, and unless I am mistaken, the reason that Kiwi Connection frames were (are) so highly regarded is that gary built the frame fixtures used in that shop.
Gary's about to start building the chassis for my 32 sedan. Hearing feedback like this certainly makes me feel better as I'm 15000 km's away. I've spoken to Gary on the phone and he's been happy to answer all of my emails, whilst I work out exactly what I want. Can't wait until he fires up that welder and get's to work.
I got the frame for my 29 roadster from Gary. Like everyone else has said he does quality work and is great to deal with.
I met him as he was gracious enough to store a car for me I bought and I went down to pick it up. Super nice guy, and yes his work looked beautiful.
He's sent us 2 bitchen chassis so far & I try to tell everyone I can about him. Glad to see everyone else had as good of an experience as me.
Gary fixed and pinched an original '32 frame to fit in my 28-29 roadster project. His work is outstanding and will definitely use him again in my future projects. I can't recomend him enough!
Just like everyone else, I only have good things to say about Gary and his work. Top notch! Not quite a couple years ago, he built these two frames for myself and my buddy, Jason. They both have some miles on them now (probably 8-9k miles total) and have proven to be very sturdy, square, well-built frames. Malcolm
Do you have any detail pictures of the front suspension on chassis with the un-dropped axle. Did Gary do the wishbone modifications?
That's my roadster chassis. Here's the most recent build thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=567286&highlight=malcolm Are you asking about the work done to the wishbones or the frame? I drilled/sleeved/welded the spring perches in the wishbones and welded the tie rod bungs on the ends. My friend, Andy, made the sleeves/mounting plates and welded them in the frame for the wishbone tie rod mounts. Some pics: Tacked in place Back side Finished
A couple shots of the front (not quite 'finished')... If you want some more detailed photos, let me know...
How long has it been from time of order to delivery of frame in your experiences? I'm totally sold on getting a blackboard frame... Just curious to know how much time it has taken in the past. Thanks!
I think it was in the 2-3 month range when we (myself and Jason - jho on here) ordered our frames. From what I recall, half payment was sent to place the order and get 'in line', then the other half when he was finished. As with anything, it'd probably be best to give him a call to see how far out his orders are right now. Malcolm
Beautiful welds and work! I had seen the Blackboard site -- http://www.blackboardhotrods.com/ -- but it doesn't show the level of craftsmanship that goes into the frames. The prices are affordable, too, which is deceiving. Someone needs to convince him to up the level of the website, and also post pictures such as those in this thread, to show off the work.
We have one from him and it is a really nice frame. Glad we went with him; prices are very competetive. We got the frame just before winter and at that point he had a very long waiting list. Would HIGHLY recommend him!
I just spoke to him last week. He is busy. He has no secretary. He will get back to you within a few days. His craftsmanship and his ethics are impeccable.
I am looking forward to having Gary do a frame for me. Just getting the funds ready for him to "get in line". I appreciate the above comments and it makes me want one of his frames even more. Take care, Tom
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